Open Spots & Big Battles

F

Foval21

Well-Known Member
Which spots do people think are open to anyone and which ones do you think will have the biggest battles happening. One of the things that keeps Iowa strong is that the coaching staff will allow people to beat out others. Though sometimes we might think others should play I think the coaches do a good job of keeping it very competitive for jobs and that is why kids thrive so much in this program and become good pros.

Offense:

QB - I think this is open for Weinke to challenge but I don't think he will get in there I feel JVB wins it.

RB - not open except for the back-up. Back-up will be a strong battle got to give the edge to Johnson, but I see McCall as the leading candidate after him. We will see what happens with Coe.

FB - not open this is Rogers if his health is good.

#1WR - not open got to give this to McNutt, wonder who the back-up will be and that will be a solid competition.

#2WR - I feel like this is a competition I know that Davis has a leg up but I happen to think that DJK's talk about M-M means he has a chance at the least I think M-M is the slot man and probably one of the better ones we've had in a while.

TE - not open, but I want to see the battle between CJ and Derby for #2. I think we will see both of them a lot. Hopefully putting CJ in a Dallas Clark type roll in the slot and as a TE...talk about a mismatch.

Tackle - not open, can't see anyone over taking two guys that were so solid last year. Though MacMillan might get moved out to a Tackle with his size.

Guard - Because of health I can see battles happen here. Gettis and MacMillan have to have the upper hand but I think that Heier was brought in because he could challenge since Iowa so rarely brings in JUCOs.

Center - This maybe the most locked up position on the field in my opinion and that has nothing to do with the kids name. Ferentz is smart and mean at center and in Iowa's system that is a combination for success. He will go down as the best center under Kirk and that is saying something.

Defense:

DE - I think Binns is a guarantee but the other end will be a great battle not really sure who will win it maybe they will rotate more and keep kids legs more healthy as the year goes.

DT - Obviously Mike Daniels is solid here but I don't know who else will be there I think Cooper has a chance as an incoming freshman and I think this maybe the biggest battle of all positions.

MLB - not open, Morris has this and I think he will play just as fast and just as good (hopefully better) except with 15 more lbs. He is going to be one of the best LBs in Kirk era.

WLB - this could be a solid battle I actually think this is where Kirksey ends up and he will be solid but I also see Davis getting his shot here. Can't believe you move a young guy like Morris when his future is in the middle...let the future be now.

LEO - This is Nielsen's unless he is still injured. He was the anchor of the defense last year and after he got hurt is when the defense started its downward spiral. If he can't go I am sure there will be a battle for this spot. Not sure who will be in it though I can see Kirksey moving over here if Nielsen can't go.

CB - these are locked up and solid even though I think Lowery will challenge the two solid CBs that are already there.

SS - I think this will be the second or third best competition...I give the edge to Bernstine because of time in the program, but ultimately I think this becomes Hitchens job. I don't think Law factors into more than Special Teams and if he gets that look for him to take over at one of the Safety positions within a year or two.

FS - not open, I think Miller has this but I am sure someone will push him.

Specials:

Kicker - not open but with the revolving door of the past few years I won't be surprised if we see more that one person kick. And I do think Meyer could become great but lately we have seen kicker after kicker and it kind of bothers me because kicking is so mental I think that Ferentz actually miss manages this spot.

Punter - this is wide open but not sure what to expect from the race because we haven't really seen either of the competitors. I here the Aussie is slow but can boom it. And Guthrie is just ok.


What is everyone's thoughts I think it could be just as fun to watch the competitions as it will be to watch the games this fall.
 


Foval -

By and large, seems like a pretty solid analysis.

Here are a few remarks though ....

- Kirksey DOES NOT project at the LEO spot. A LEO LB is a hybrid DE/LB ... Kirksey doesn't really have the size to pull off playing the LEO spot. We've played smaller guys there before ... but it's hurt us with regard to setting the edge. All that said, Kirksey has the tools to probably execute the coverage responsibilities of the LEO spot. A more likely future candidate at the LEO spot is Getz or Poggi (or AJ Derby if he makes the move).

- Some folks on the boards have seen Norm at an I-club function and are reporting that Hitchens has, in fact, moved over to LB. Thus, I'd look for Hitchens to push Kirksey and DiBona at the open WILL spot.

- I have no idea about safety. It seems like there are legs to the rumor that the coaches might try Hyde out at safety.
 


I thought Kirksey's athleticism would be the reason he could flop over to LEO but I realize someone bigger might be better. If Hitchen's is going to be a LB then I don't see him playing much more than as a 3-4 sub. I think he would have been a great safety though.
 


I have a feeling that Brad Herman is and will be the the #1 TE going into the season. I really like CJ and Gimm and Derby but the experience factor for Herman is huge.
 


Foval21 said:
I thought Kirksey's athleticism would be the reason he could flop over to LEO but I realize someone bigger might be better. If Hitchen's is going to be a LB then I don't see him playing much more than as a 3-4 sub. I think he would have been a great safety though.
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We have a more immediate need for talent pushing the level of competition at LB. Our depth at LB got absolutely hammered in 2010. I'm sure that the coaches are doing what they can to make sure that the level of competition will be heated enough to keep the level of play very high.

Given the fact that we've just lost Hunter, Tarp, Johnson, Tillison, and Petersen ... that means that we have a lot of guys on the depth chart to replace. Furthermore, Bruce Davis is recovering from a pretty significant injury and there's no guarantee that he's going to be able to return to his prior form. Also, both DiBona and Poggi got hit with the kidney issues ... so they're potentially going to be a step behind when it comes to spring camp ... and that possibly gives Hitchens an advantage there.
 


After the letdown that last season was there needs to be full, open competition at every position. Nobody should be safe at their position.
 


atxhawk said:
After the letdown that last season was there needs to be full, open competition at every position. Nobody should be safe at their position.
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First off ... I fully expect that both the spring and fall camp will feature complete free-for-alls that emphasize competition at EVERY position. To that end, if the veterans do not come to practice ready to work ... then they're going to get passed by.

However, the above comments said ... I don't think that any lack of success in the 2010 season was a result of complacency. Rather, it appeared to get driven much more by injuries and a lack of inspired play after the teams' BCS dreams were crushed. Of course, part of the uninspired play was due to the fact that we didn't have a leader like Sanders or Angerer on the squad who would "enforce" the Hawkeye way upon their fellow players. Players who lead by example are good ... but sometimes you need the "enforcer types" too.
 


RADMAN said:
I have a feeling that Brad Herman is and will be the the #1 TE going into the season. I really like CJ and Gimm and Derby but the experience factor for Herman is huge.
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I have Herman #1...that is why I say it isn't open. CJ and Derby I have battling for #2. I believe that Gimm has switched positions.
 


homerHAWKeye777 said:
However, the above comments said ... I don't think that any lack of success in the 2010 season was a result of complacency. Rather, it appeared to get driven much more by injuries and a lack of inspired play after the teams' BCS dreams were crushed. Of course, part of the uninspired play was due to the fact that we didn't have a leader like Sanders or Angerer on the squad who would "enforce" the Hawkeye way upon their fellow players. Players who lead by example are good ... but sometimes you need the "enforcer types" too.
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I was a TA during the 2005 season. I saw some of the same things that year with respect to drop off after the league title was gone. Greenway and Hodge were great players, but that team lost some serious vocal leaders with the graduation of the senior class in 2004. Just nobody filled that void.
 




homerHAWKeye777 said:
First off ... I fully expect that both the spring and fall camp will feature complete free-for-alls that emphasize competition at EVERY position. To that end, if the veterans do not come to practice ready to work ... then they're going to get passed by.

However, the above comments said ... I don't think that any lack of success in the 2010 season was a result of complacency. Rather, it appeared to get driven much more by injuries and a lack of inspired play after the teams' BCS dreams were crushed. Of course, part of the uninspired play was due to the fact that we didn't have a leader like Sanders or Angerer on the squad who would "enforce" the Hawkeye way upon their fellow players. Players who lead by example are good ... but sometimes you need the "enforcer types" too.
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Exactly. That is why there needs to be full, open competition with nobody having a safe position. If everybody is having to fight for their position, even guys like Hyde, Binns, and Reiff who have been starting for a couple of years, it could create a situation where that "enforcer" type of leader comes out. Maybe a guy like Morris will step up and get on player's butts for not working/playing hard. Maybe Daniels could have been that guy last year since he played his way into the starting lineup with his inspired play last year, but was buried behind all the seniors in terms of experience and didn't feel like he could step into the role, maybe he tried and was shut down by the seniors, maybe he just doesn't have it in him. All things we have no way of knowing since we are not down there on the field and in the huddle. Sometimes a player has to get knocked down a notch to bring out the fire in them that they once had.
 


I think all the positions will be battled for but I see that some of the positions are very very unlikely for anyone to get passed up...Honestly is there anyone who thinks McNutt could lose his position after what he did last year...I don't think so.
 


atxhawk said:
Exactly. That is why there needs to be full, open competition with nobody having a safe position. If everybody is having to fight for their position, even guys like Hyde, Binns, and Reiff who have been starting for a couple of years, it could create a situation where that "enforcer" type of leader comes out. Maybe a guy like Morris will step up and get on player's butts for not working/playing hard. Maybe Daniels could have been that guy last year since he played his way into the starting lineup with his inspired play last year, but was buried behind all the seniors in terms of experience and didn't feel like he could step into the role, maybe he tried and was shut down by the seniors, maybe he just doesn't have it in him. All things we have no way of knowing since we are not down there on the field and in the huddle. Sometimes a player has to get knocked down a notch to bring out the fire in them that they once had.
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Regarding Daniels ... I doubt that would be the case. From everything I've gathered, it seems like Daniels is a bit more of a quite, "lead by example" kind of guy. If he ends up stepping up and taking a more vocal role ... that would definitely be cool.

As has generally been the case, guys tend to feel most comfortable stepping up and being vocal leaders when they're experienced upperclassman. As is typically the case, respect has to be earned ... and football guys tend to have egos ... so not just anybody is going to be able to play the "enforcer" role. It takes a dude is viewed as being more than a bit of a bad-azz ... and, surprisingly enough, not everybody ends up fitting that bill. Heck, Yanda had the makings of being one ... he certainly had the toughness down ... and yet the 2006 squad arguably was a low-water mark for the Hawks when it came to leadership.
 


homerHAWKeye777 said:
Regarding Daniels ... I doubt that would be the case. From everything I've gathered, it seems like Daniels is a bit more of a quite, "lead by example" kind of guy. If he ends up stepping up and taking a more vocal role ... that would definitely be cool.

As has generally been the case, guys tend to feel most comfortable stepping up and being vocal leaders when they're experienced upperclassman. As is typically the case, respect has to be earned ... and football guys tend to have egos ... so not just anybody is going to be able to play the "enforcer" role. It takes a dude is viewed as being more than a bit of a bad-azz ... and, surprisingly enough, not everybody ends up fitting that bill. Heck, Yanda had the makings of being one ... he certainly had the toughness down ... and yet the 2006 squad arguably was a low-water mark for the Hawks when it came to leadership.
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Typically the defensive leaders come from the LB/S spots... Pretty rare a lineman (both sides) steps into that role... DE's will ocaisionally will fill that role, it's usually a position that calls out plays and has a little more freedom on the field.
 


Very cool topic.

I think the OP did a very good job in his analysis.

I see the major position battles being:

2 Offensive Guard Spots: I see the following 5 guys fighting it out in practice to determine the starters (Gettis, MacMillan, Van Sloten, Donnal, Heier (JUCO signee)

LB: I think Morris and Nielsen will lock down 2 of the 3 spots and the remaining spot will be either Kirksey, Hitchens, Bruce Davis or DiBona

2 Defensive Line Spots: Mike Daniels and B. Binns will start and the remaining 2 spots will be a competition between L. Daniel, Bigach, Carl Davis and the incoming Cooper kid

Saftey: I think Tanner Miller will start at one Safety and the other Safety spot will be a competition between Bernstine, Donnatel and the incoming Law kid.

Overall, I think the Hawks will be under-rated and overachieve this season - which is how I like it!!
 


It looks like 4 downs with the LBs has Hitchens at WLB. I guess he has a shot here. I figured Kirksey would have put on some weight since last year but I didn't think he was as small as they had listed him. I do think Davis factors into the WLB and will back up Morris. But Poggi could be the x-factor and shake things up if he can recover from the rhabdo.
 


Foval21 said:
It looks like 4 downs with the LBs has Hitchens at WLB. I guess he has a shot here. I figured Kirksey would have put on some weight since last year but I didn't think he was as small as they had listed him. I do think Davis factors into the WLB and will back up Morris. But Poggi could be the x-factor and shake things up if he can recover from the rhabdo.
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Foval -

You read 4-downs with the LBs wrong then ... Morehouse was projecting Hitchens to the LEO spot. There it seemed to be alluding that a battle was brewing between Getz and Hitchens to back up Nielsen.

As for the WILL (WLB) spot, according to Morehouse, the top candidates appear to DiBona and Kirksey. Of course, it's thought that Poggi could potentially enter the picture there too.
 


homerHAWKeye777 said:
Foval -

You read 4-downs with the LBs wrong then ... Morehouse was projecting Hitchens to the LEO spot. There it seemed to be alluding that a battle was brewing between Getz and Hitchens to back up Nielsen.

As for the WILL (WLB) spot, according to Morehouse, the top candidates appear to DiBona and Kirksey. Of course, it's thought that Poggi could potentially enter the picture there too.
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My fault I did read it wrong. I do think that Hitchens could factor into the WLB spot though because it really is the only spot open in my belief. Of course we don't know if Nielsen will be the player he was up to when he got hurt when I believe he was playing better than any other LEO we had had before him.
 


Foval21 said:
My fault I did read it wrong. I do think that Hitchens could factor into the WLB spot though because it really is the only spot open in my belief. Of course we don't know if Nielsen will be the player he was up to when he got hurt when I believe he was playing better than any other LEO we had had before him.
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Most of what I've heard about Nielsen leads me to expect that we won't see any let-up from him. I don't know about him quite being a "best ever" LEO ... however, he jumped in and was already playing at a level pretty comparable to Edds. In my mind, Edds set the new gold standard at the LEO spot (a standard that was previously set by Steen).

Anyhow, the coaches will have the guys compete for the spots and the top guys will play. To that end, I think that Hitchens will definitely be in the race at the WILL spot too.
 


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